]]>CompanyFirst Invests in STANTT Apparelhttp://companyfirst.com/companyfirst-invests-in-stantt/
Mon, 01 Jul 2019 18:13:03 +0000http://companyfirst.com/?p=1089We are proud to announce that the Fund has made an investment in STANTT. STANTT is an innovative, growing company in the apparel industry that is disrupting men’s fashion by combining the fit of customized shirts with “off the rack” ease of shopping. STANTT uses body scan data and proprietary algorithms to create an extended range of sizes (e.g. 99 different sizes of shirts vs. the traditional S / M / L / XL). By taking just a few simple measurements, the STANTT system matches customers to the STANTT size (either online or at select retailers like Nordstrom, where customers can try on different fits and sizes to find their perfect match). Once your fit is determined there are a wide variety of fabrics and options, with clothing made-to-order and delivered to the customer in about a week.

The funding round was led by Randa (one of the world’s largest leather accessories makers) and included New England Development (a real estate developer with a focus on retail) in addition to CompanyFirst. We’ve known the STANTT team for over a year and are very excited to help fuel their next phase of growth!

]]>CompanyFirst Holds Initial Close of Fundhttp://companyfirst.com/companyfirst-holds-initial-close/
Thu, 20 Jun 2019 18:09:03 +0000http://companyfirst.com/?p=1086In June CompanyFirst held an initial close on its new fund, CompanyFirst Capital Fund I LP (the “Fund”). This first close will enable CompanyFirst to pursue equity investments in emerging consumer brands where we see a strong foundation for growth, a proven track record of successful execution, an opportunity to engage to create significant value, and the potential to “reinvest in success” (typical investments will be in the range of $100,000 to $2,000,000).

As a Vice President at Mizuho Bank, Elisabeth managed a portfolio of Fortune 500 companies in the consumer goods, food & beverage, and retail sectors. In her role, she was not only responsible for leading the deal team on multi-billion dollar M&A transactions but she was also the point of contact for all of her clients’ operational banking needs. Elisabeth began her career in banking at The Royal Bank of Scotland as a healthcare analyst. Prior to her role in banking, Elisabeth was a hedge fund credit risk analyst.

Elisabeth is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University.

]]>CompanyFirst Participates in Undergrad Acceleratorhttp://companyfirst.com/2019-cnvc/
Mon, 25 Mar 2019 19:58:41 +0000http://companyfirst.com/?p=948PODU, the first Arabic podcast platform, won $15,000 at the 2019 College New Venture Challenge, the undergraduate entrepreneurship accelerator at the University of Chicago. CompanyFirst participated as a judge in the program.

]]>CompanyFirst Attends Expo West 2019http://companyfirst.com/expo-west-2019/
Sun, 10 Mar 2019 04:00:21 +0000http://companyfirst.com/?p=903Another great Natural Products Expo West in the books…great to see old friends and make new ones, and lots of exciting new products, brands, and innovation. Never enough time at the show to see everyone and everything…if we missed you at the show please reach out, our time at Expo West was unfortunately limited and we always appreciate the chance to connect!

]]>CompanyFirst Participates in Springboard Incubatorhttp://companyfirst.com/springboards-second-incubator-class-announced/
Thu, 07 Mar 2019 03:42:26 +0000http://companyfirst.com/?p=938CompanyFirst had a chance to participate in the demo day for the second class of the KraftHeinz Springboard incubator program:

The incubator class took place over a 16 week period in Chicago. The start-ups received $50,000 funding and a chance to earn up to $50,000 more during the program. As part of the demo day, each of the companies had a chance to pitch to a group of potential investors, followed by a mini-expo where products could be sampled. Thanks to KraftHeinz for the invitation to be involved in this wonderful program!

Participants in Springboard’s first incubator program class, which began in May 2018, included Ayoba-Yo, Cleveland Kraut, Kumana, Poppilu and Quevos.

]]>Matt Ramoundos Joins CompanyFirst Teamhttp://companyfirst.com/matt-ramoundos-joins-companyfirst/
Fri, 01 Feb 2019 17:44:29 +0000http://companyfirst.com/?p=1019We would like to welcome Matt Ramoundos to the CompanyFirst team! Matt joins CompanyFirst as part of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Private Equity / Venture Capital Lab.

Matt has over ten years of entrepreneurial and operational experience. Matt was the entrepreneur behind the award winning REMIND-A-CAP, a patented pill bottle cap that promotes better health outcomes by helping patients adhere to their medication regimen as prescribed by their physician. Matt was responsible for product commercialization, development of intellectual property, operations, and sales.

Prior to REMIND-A-CAP, Matt oversaw operations for online and brick-and-mortar divisions of a national wine retailer. Matt was responsible for purchasing, managing inventory, developing distribution channels, brand development, and web site sales and traffic growth.

]]>CompanyFirst Attends Expo Westhttp://companyfirst.com/expo-west-2018/
Sat, 24 Mar 2018 17:35:35 +0000http://companyfirst.com/?p=646Another great Natural Products Expo West in the books! The show just seems to keep getting bigger…but what a great chance to catch up with old friends and meet some fantastic new companies. Fun pic of us stepping in to help Cybele cook up some of her amazing superfood veggie pasta.